In the context of international health cooperation, what does the IHR 2005 emphasize?

• A. A set of guidelines for airport safety.
• B. A treaty on environmental protection.
• C. A binding WHO framework for detecting and reporting public health risks; relevance lies in standardized surveillance, reporting, and coordinated responses to health events.
• D. A financial regulation.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that the IHR 2005 establish a binding, global framework for detecting, assessing, reporting, and coordinating responses to public health risks that could cross borders. It requires countries to strengthen their surveillance and response capacities and to notify the World Health Organization promptly about events that may constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This shared, standardized approach enables rapid information sharing and joint action, balancing swift international response with minimizing unnecessary disruption to travel and trade. It is not about airport safety guidelines, environmental protection, or financial regulation.